Mindful eating is so fundamental in our self-care practice that it is often the first thing that is over looked. Think about how many times you eat while checking your email or phone. Or the times you ate while watching a movie, a show or reading a book. I’m not saying these things are bad or wrong. My only intention is to shine some light on how we eat and show you another way.

Is it possible to tune into all the subtle flavors of food and listen to your body while your mind is someplace else? For me it isn’t. My experience has shown time and time again that the most joyous and nourishing meals are ones that are eaten with intention and slowness.

It can feel weird to just focus on your meal at first. We’re so used to multitasking that it can feel boring, slow and just plain awkward to eat without doing anything else but eating. Chewing our food well can also feel odd until we get used to it.

The cool thing is it is totally possible to eat mindfully at any time. We can set aside a more formal practice at home where we eat as meditation for one meal a week. If we’re out with company at a cafe or at a dinner party it is possible to practice there to. It can be as simple as feeling our feet connected to the earth, slowing down, saying thank you for our meal, and taking breaks between bites to chew well and breathe.

Where ever you are with your eating practice I encourage you to set aside one meal a week to eat in silence. See how it goes. Notice what comes up. Above all remember the words of one of my dearest teachers posted above:

ENJOY BEING PART OF THE EARTH AND EAT IN SUCH A WAY THAT ALLOWS YOU TO BE AWARE THAT EACH BITE IS DEEPENING YOUR CONNECTION TO THE PLANET. – THICH NHAT HANH